Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services urges everyone (and their pets) to stay off of frozen ponds and lakes. The ice isn’t thick enough to support the weight of a person. Rarely does it get cold enough for a long enough period of time in this area for the ice to become strong enough to support the weight of a person. Parents, please remind your children to stay off the frozen water! Dog owners must be careful around frozen water and not throw sticks or balls onto the ice. Should a dog go onto the ice and get into difficulty, don't attempt to carry out a rescue. If a pet or person gets in trouble on the ice on a frozen pond or lake, call 911 immediately!

Safety advice - what do if you see someone fall through the ice:Never venture onto frozen ponds and lakes, no matter how safe it looks! If you see someone fall through the ice:

• Shout for help and send someone to DIAL 911• Stay off the ice • Shout to the victim to keep still • Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, a tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that extends your reach • When reaching for the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice• If you cannot reach them, slide something that floats like a rescue buoy across the ice for them to hold on to stay afloat • If the victim is out of reach, wait for the 911 units, while calming and reassuring them

After the victim has been rescued from the ice:• Make sure the 911 is on its way • Lay them flat, check their breathing and pulse and begin resuscitation if necessary • Prevent them from getting colder by putting them in a sleeping bag or covering them including their head, with blankets or spare clothing • Get them under shelter out of the cold • Until the victim is in a warm place do not undress them • Do not rub their skin, apply hot water or give an alcoholic drink • Keep them wrapped up so that they warm up gradually

If you fall through the ice:• Keep calm and call for help • If no help is available spread your arms across the surface of the ice • If the ice is strong enough kick your legs and slide onto the ice • Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank • If the ice is very thin, break it in front of you and make your way to the shore • If you cannot climb out, wait for help keeping as still as possible • Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together • Once you are safe, call 911 and go to the Emergency Department to be evaluated